NYC 2, 5 days

[DahliaRose3]

Hello 👋

Please help with Itinerary ideas for a first time visit to NY in Autumn. Land midday into JFK on Saturday. Sunday is free, work for few days, then a day off with a late night flight back. Given the limited free time, what would you recommend? I won’t be able to squeeze everything in, which is okay; and don’t want to overdo it given I have to work.

Not a fan of heights or jazz. Would love to pick up gifts for partner and kids - 1, 6, 8; small piece of art for my home. Big foodie, love art, artisanal crafts, history. Enjoy local guided tours. Not sure I can hack a 3 hour broadway show after a long haul flight.

My favourite things were the ferry to Staten Island to see the Statue of Liberty. I then got a taxi to the Brooklyn side of Brooklyn Bridge and walked over the bridge back to Manhatten. You get a 'wow' view of the Manhatten skyscraper skyline as you walk across the bridge and it's only about a 30 minute walk.

The 911 memorial was walkable from there too if I remember rightly.

All that would be about half a day.

I'd also go to the Top of the Rockefeller Centre to get a great view of the skyline.

Central Park would probably be lovely in the autumn.

Grand Central Station is worth a quick look as the building is lovely. So is the public library.

I'm not sure where is good for art as that's not my thing.

Don't be persuaded to walk along the Highline. It's just a path with some plants. Nothing exciting at all.

How late in autumn? The holiday markets (Bryant Park, Union Square, Colombus Circle) open quite early - Bryant Park was open before Halloween last year. They should be good for gifts, art and food.

Chelsea Market is another haven for good food - it's at the end of the High Line if the pp hasn't put you off! From there you could walk to the pier where the Titanic memorial is.

You could do a foodie tour of Chinatown or get out of Manhattan and try one in Queens. I follow Here Be Barr on Youtube, he has a million videos combining his love of NYC and (mostly street) food, he will give you lots of ideas.

Musuem of Natural History, Ellis Island and the Tenement Museum are also highly recommended for history buffs.

Do you mean this weekend?

This can get you started until you have more ideas what you actually want to do
https://www.timeout.com/newyork/things-to-do/things-to-do-in-nyc-this-weekend

Thanks for the recommendations, and please keep them coming. I’m travelling mid November.